EP0072767A2 - Headgear for a motor cyclist, provided with a strapless attachment flange - Google Patents

Abstract

Helmet without chinstrap (11) equipped with a securing device consisting of - either a flexible bead (1) forming a collar around the user's neck, linked to the shell by flexible elements (18, 2-3) allowing the opening by elastic deformation of the bead and fulfilling a role of shock absorber in the event of an impact of the edge of the bead against the neck of the user, - either in a rigid bead in at least two articulated parts each on a vertical axis carried by an extension of the base of the shell, - either in a rigid skirt extending the base of the shell and formed of at least one half-skirt sliding in a plane parallel to that of the base of the shell. A buckle system (26) fulfilling the functions of hinge pin, anti-theft device, locking device and locking locking device is associated with such helmets.

Description

The present invention relates to a motorcycle protective helmet equipped with a retention device making it possible to improve its positioning and its retention on its user.

The usual device for securing helmets consists of a simple chin strap made up of two textile ribbons, or leather straps, each secured by one of their ends to the base of the helmet shell at two lateral and opposite points thereof. Their free ends are connected together, under the chin of the user, by a loop or other suitable member. Apart from the fact that such a helmet does not offer protection of the lower part of the chin, this uncomfortable device is all the more so since it is tight enough to ensure effective support. However even in this case, the anchor points of the chin strap to the helmet shell being clearly offset relative to the transverse median plane of the user's cranial boot, the helmet will tend, during an impact, to tilt from back to front in a rotational movement around an axis passing substantially through the ears of the wearer of the helmet. Such a device cannot therefore prevent the helmet from leaving the head during a simple shock or followed by twists and turns. Furthermore, in the case where the helmet is subjected to a tearing force directed from the base towards its summit, this force is fully transmitted to the lower part of the user's chin, in the form of a pressure which can be dangerous. because of the small surface of the chinstrap by which it is applied. This device, as uncomfortable as it is dangerous, has already been improved by the adoption of a device for securing helmets essentially consisting of a rigid skirt extending the base of the helmet shell and formed of two articulated parts, one at the front, the other at the rear of the hull, locked by their movable ends in the lateral zones of this same hull. However, this device is not without drawbacks. Thus, the members making it possible to actuate the locking device are easily accessible from the outside of the helmet and can, in the event of an impact, come into contact with a roughness of the ground, hence unlocking and therefore possible opening of at least one part of each half-skirt. Furthermore, the introduction and removal of the helmet - mainly if the user is warmly dressed in sweaters or jackets with a stand-up collar, which is common for a motorcyclist - is difficult because of the amplitude of the movement described by the ends of each half-skirt when they are opened or closed. The presence of small tabs, fitted with a hook, secured to each end of the half rear skirt, makes the operation even more delicate, since it is common to tear a garment - mainly a knitted fabric - by inadvertently engaging one of these hooks in a mesh of said garment. Finally, the use of a rigid skirt makes it necessary to provide protection of the user's neck against contact with the edge of this skirt by a shock absorbing system and a thick padding of flexible foam inserted between it and the wearer's neck. helmet. Therefore, the perimeter of the cutout drawn by the edge of the skirt itself is much greater than the perimeter of the neck that it is supposed to surround. Retention is therefore effectively ensured - mainly at the front of the helmet - only by the padding of flexible foam resting by its upper face against the lower face of the user's chin, The slightest shock subjecting the helmet to a couple is enough to deform this padding so that the user can see his helmet, if not detach from his head, at least tilt back and forth until the retention system comes to bear against the underside from his nose. Hence an uncomfortable and dangerous situation, to say the least, if the person is wearing a pair of glasses, the upper part of the latter then crashing against his browbones ... In addition, helmets of this type cannot take advantage of the anti-theft systems adopted today by all manufacturers of modern motorcycles and consisting simply of an anti-theft hook secured to the machine and designed so that the metal buckle equipping the chin strap of all helmets can be hung there ordinary protection. This system is not a foolproof efficiency, since it is easy, for a possible thief, to cut the said chin strap in order to appropriate the helmet. However, this device makes it possible to reduce to a certain extent the risk of theft and above all has the advantage of having been adopted unanimously by all manufacturers of motorcycles without this imposing on helmet manufacturers having to modify their productions. It can therefore be seen that any owner of a helmet fitted with a securing device without chinstrap - ie without attachment loop - cannot use the anti-theft hook with which his motorcycle is nevertheless fitted, and must purchase a additional, expensive, heavy and bulky anti-theft accessory, generally consisting of a large chain or metal loop passing on the one hand around the chin portion of the helmet to be protected and on the other hand around a fixed part of the motorcycle. However, these helmets are already among the most expensive on the market, the prospect of having to add to its price that of such an anti-theft accessory, or, failing this, of having to walking with his helmet during each stop, encourages a fairly large number of potential customers to opt for a classic helmet despite the preferential choice they wear on a helmet with a securing device without chin strap.

The helmet object of the invention benefits from an improved securing device which, according to the variant envisaged, makes it possible to avoid all or part of the defects inherent in the prior techniques and ensures that it can fully fulfill its protective role of the cranial boot, whatever whatever the stresses it may undergo during a single shock or followed by twists and turns, especially during a fall. According to a preferred variant, this device is characterized in that it essentially consists of a substantially toroidal, concentric bead. only with the opening delimited by the lower rim of the helmet shell, this when the helmet is closed. This bead is linked to the base of this shell by means of one or more flexible elements. The bead consists of one or more sections which come together end to end when the helmet is closed and thus form a kind of collar around the user's neck. The base of the face and the skull of the latter then being in abutment against the upper face of this necklace. The helmet being locked in the closed position, the perimeter of the bead is invariable. Each of the parts making up the whole bead may be rigid or made of a flexible material - at least in the plane parallel to that of the base of the shell - but not extensible, or flexible and elastic but armed with a flexible core - at least in the plane parallel to that of the base of the helmet - but not extensible. In all cases, the bead is covered with a certain thickness of padding - an element of comfort and security - at least in the areas of its external surface liable to come into contact with the user. If the bead is formed of two or more sections, each of them can be articulated (in particular if the bead is rigid) by one of its ends at the end of the neighboring section, one end of at least one section being detachable (unlocking) from the end of the section against which it comes to bear during locking (this in order to - allow the opening of the collar which constitutes the closed bead). If the bead is made up of two or more sections, the two ends of each section can also be kept in contact, helmet closed and locked, against the neighboring section or sections, and completely dissociate from it (no articulations) to allow opening the helmet. In the case where the bead is monobloc and split in a single point (flexible bead), the two ends determined by this rupture come to bear against one another and are held there by a locking system (closing of the collar) and - after having been unlocked - can be moved away from one the other (opening of the collar) thanks to the elastic deformation which is imposed on the bead in order to be able to remove the helmet.

According to a simplified variant embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, the bead is flexible, summed up for example with a textile or leather strap, flat or rolled.

According to a second variant, the bead itself only exists along a part of the perimeter of the collar, the complementary part of said collar being able to be a rigid skirt - mobile or fixed - fitted with padding, or only part of the padding inside of the helmet extending towards the base of the shell and towards the inside of the helmet forming, for example, a neck cushion at the back of the helmet.

In such an embodiment, the bead portion itself can: be summed up, for example, with two independent sections of bead when they are in the open position, and joining end to end, or on either side of an extension of the base of the hull, in the closed position. These bead portions are then linked or articulated by their other ends to an extension of the base of the shell, or to the ends of the neck cushion with which they are associated.

According to a particular variant embodiment, the bead is rigid in at least two parts each articulated along a vertical axis carried by an extension of the base of the shell. The opening of these bead portions can be made automatic by the action of elastic devices such as springs tending to cause this opening as soon as the unlocking is actuated. In such an embodiment, each of the bead portions is extended, optionally over its entire length, by a rigid veil joining the base of the helmet shell and which, thanks to a form complementarity, can be hung there when the helmet is locked in closed position. The flexible elements mentioned above are then considered to be non-existent.

In all cases, the ends of two neighboring sections can also come to bear - or be articulated - on either side of a rigid intermediate piece integral either with an extension of the hull, or with a rigid articulated piece at the base of the hull, either of a set of several rigid parts hinged together, at least one being articulated at the base of the hull, or of a flexible element linked by its ex upper end at the base of the shell. The end of each of the sections, if it has no articulation cooperating with the end of another section carries a bolt part cooperating with a complementary part secured to the end of the neighboring section or of the intermediate piece between it and the end of the neighboring section. In the case where each bead section is armed with a flexible and non-extensible core, the bolt part secured to one end of the section can be carried by one end of this flexible core. can support

According to another variant, a flexible reinforcement / also be / - generally by its center or its end - of an extension of the hull, or of a rigid part articulated at the base of the hull or of a set of parts rigid hinged together and articulated at the base of the hull, or a flexible piece linked by its upper end to the base of the hull. In this case, the end or ends of this frame are engaged in a tubular conduit formed longitudinally in a portion of bead and opening out at the end thereof, the bead can thus slide around the frame during the opening operations and closing. Each free end of such a frame carries a latch part cooperating with a complementary part, integral with the end of the bead section - or of the intermediate piece - against which the other end of the section which it crosses right through. part, comes to bear when closing.

According to a second variant, each free end of such a frame joins - the helmet being closed - the end of another frame inside the same bead. In this case, each of these frame ends carries an identical bolt part cooperating with a complementary part secured to the bead and allowing the connection between these two ends.

According to a first variant, the lock can be a cylindrical piece, chamfered and carrying a circular groove causing a reduction in its diameter over part of its length. This cylinder, integral with one of the parts to be tied, is introduced when the helmet is closed, in a complementary hollow cylinder formed in the other piece to be linked, the side of this hollow cylinder has a light perpendicular to its axis. , through which passes a tongue - possibly pushed by a spring - whose end directed towards the inside of the cylinder is a semicircular cut whose axis is parallel to that of the cylinder and the diameter appreciably equal to that of the part of the full cylinder in the area where it is reduced by the groove. In the locked position, the tongue engages in this groove of the full cylinder, preventing it from coming out of the hollow cylinder. Unlocking is done by an operating member secured to the tongue and allowing it to be removed towards the outside of the cylinder. Each flexible frame, integral with an extension, rigid, articulated or flexible, of the base of the shell and sliding in a part of tubular bead during the opening and closing movements can also be independent of the locking device. Indeed, the importance of such frames, even if they do not carry a lock, is essential for the convenience of use of the helmet according to the invention, their essential function is to allow full and wide opening movements of the collar. , and easy closure of this same collar, since they transmit the movement of the bead to the extension of the shell -and vice versa-, and to ensure centering and coincidence between these same elements when they come into contact with one against each other. According to an alternative embodiment, this flexible frame slides in the tubular bead passing through a latch part, which is also tubular, secured to the bead end and through the complementary latch part, which is also tubular, integral with the same articulated extension of the base of the shell as the frame itself, mounted concentrically with this part of the lock.

According to a second variant, the flexible frame is secured to one end of the bead, and slides in another part of the bead, the articulated extension of the shell then being eliminated.

According to a third variant, each flexible frame, guide element consists of telescopic strands.

According to an alternative embodiment, if the flexible reinforcement is integral with an extension of the shell consisting of several rigid parts articulated together and articulated at the base and at the front of the helmet shell, and in the event where in the event of a rear impact, the play of the joints does not allow, the various articulated parts being stretched as far as possible towards the inside of the helmet, to have a backward movement of the whole of the collar formed by the bead sufficient to avoid the danger of rupture of the spine by impact of the neck against the rear part of this collar, at least one of the articulated parts is. formed of two parts or telescopic blades that can stretch by sliding or sliding of one on, or in, the other. A stop device prevents the separation of these two parts which are partially free in translation and a spring allows, apart from any tensile force violent, to keep them in the unstretched rest position.

The connection between the bead and the helmet shell, except in the particular case described above, is carried out by one or more flexible elements.

According to a first variant, this element is a veil, flexible or elastic extending the base of the helmet shell, this veil -which may be solid or perforated- is linked, by its upper part, to the base of the helmet shell either during its molding (for a molded rubber veil) either by stapling or wedging complementary shapes of the hull and the veil, or by pinching two lips of the upper edge of the veil on either side of the lower edge of the hull , kept applied against it by complementary parts - for example two flexible blades - one exterior, the other interior to the helmet, circulating at the base of the shell along its entire circumference and linked together by rivets passing through the through orifices made in correspondence through the two blades, the two lips of the veil and the rim of the hull, or by any other process capable of providing an effective - dismountable or permanent - connection and capable of withstanding significant breakout forces. In the case of an elastic veil and a molded elastic bead (rubber, elastomer, etc.), the veil may be a form extending the bead obtained during molding thereof. Otherwise, the connection between the bead and the lower edge of the veil can be carried out by any form and method capable of ensuring an effective - dismountable or permanent - connection, and capable of withstanding significant tearing forces.

According to a first variant, particularly if the elastic veil is linked to the base of the shell and to the bead over all or a large part of their circumferences, the movement in which the bead and the veil deform elastically in order to allow opening of the helmet is more or less complex. Thus, according to a particular embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, the user having carried out the unlocking, he applies to the bead -or to each bead portion- a torque tending to cause its overturning towards the outside of the helmet. During this maneuver the veil generally works in compression - in the zone where the force is applied and in extension in the zones distant from this point. These internal forces in the veil allow the bead, from the moment it passes under the hull, outside the case, to reach a false equilibrium position by going up outside the helmet to lean against the outer face of it. For closing, a force applied to the bead and tending to detach it from the helmet allows it to spontaneously return to its closed position, if this is its true equilibrium position. The true position of equilibrium is the position that the sail-bead assembly adopts outside all constraints, that is to say, for a molded part, the position it has in its manufacturing mold. In this position the internal bores to which the veil and the bead are subjected during their elastic deformations, cancel each other out with a few residual tensions.

According to another variant, the opening movement can also, more simply, take place in a single plane, parallel to the base of the shell and passing through the bead, the latter being simply open, and the two branches delimited by this opening kept apart from each other. This movement can still have as many variants as there are types of possible realizations, its nature, its quality and the planes in which it develops being influenced by the choice of a true position of equilibrium other than that closed, by flexibility and. the elasticity of the bead, by the presence of cuts or missing parts at the level of the veil or the bead, etc ... Indeed, so that the dispesitif can be maneuverable without much effort, the veil must be split high down at least once. It can also be split into two points around its circumference. Each of the slots dividing the veil and the bead can be replaced by the pure and simple removal of a certain portion of the bead alone, of the veil alone, or of the veil and the bead. The elastic veil can also be reinforced punctually, in the areas where it will not have to work in extension, by one or more flexible but non-stretchable elements such as textile ribbons or by inclusion of textile or metallic threads connecting the upper part of the skirt (base of the helmet shell) at its lower part (bead) along a path that cannot be straight or strictly vertical. Furthermore, each interruption of the flexible veil constituting the skirt (contour of any days or of its ends) is reinforced by an increase in its thickness - for example according to the shape of a cylindrical rod. This thickening, if it does not determine a rectilinear contour, is itself reinforced longitudinally with a wire or a small metallic cable embedded in its center.

In a particular embodiment, the flexible veil, in particular if it is made of rubber, extends outside the shell over the entire surface thereof. The helmet thus produced improves its aesthetic qualities and shock absorption. So the outer surface of the co that and objects which may come into contact with it, in particular the body of the motorcycle, will no longer have to undergo the damage that such contacts generally cause them.

According to a second variant, the connection between the shell of the helmet and the bead is provided by at least two flexible but non-stretchable elements such as textile ribbons or leather straps.

According to a third variant, the connection between the shell of the helmet and the bead is provided jointly by at least one non-stretchy flexible element and, at least along part of their perimeters, by one or more flexible and elastic sails, each of these sails can be reinforced punctually by one or more flexible but not extensible elements.

According to a fourth variant, the height positioning of the bead relative to the base of the shell is adjustable. Thus, in the case of using flexible but not extensible elements, such as textile ribbons to operate the connection between the bead and the shell, it is easy to equip these elements with metal loops -or other similar adjustment systems- of the type used on conventional chinstrap.

According to a fifth variant, the perimeter of the bead in its closed and locked position is adjustable so as to be able to adapt to the morphology of each user, this in the case where the external padding of the bead is not sufficient to compensate for these differences in conformation. In all cases, in the event of an impact of the edge of the collar formed by the bead against the user's neck, it is the entire bead which, thanks to the flexibility and possible elasticity of the element or elements which connect to the shell of the helmet can move, thus ceasing to be concentric with the opening delimited by the lower edge of the shell. A damping role, supplemented by the elasticity of the padding of the bead is thus ensured without the perimeter of the bead and therefore the quality of the retention which it ensures being modified. In the case, where the helmet is subjected to a tearing force exerted from the bottom up, the bead, if it is linked to the shell by one or more elastic elements absorbed, here again, the shock by moving towards the low, while continuing to fully ensure the retention of the helmet thanks to its non-extensibility and the constancy of its perimeter. The fact that such an elastic veil is punctually reinforced by one or more flexible but non-extensible elements or that the bead is punctually secured by one or more rigid, or rigid articulated or flexible but non-extensible extensions of the cuckold increases the resistance to such ar forces rachements and limits the amplitude of the elastic deformations. Furthermore, if it is true that the inextensible nature of the bead in the closed position is the guarantee of an optimum quality of the retention of the helmet on its user, the fact remains that the helmet can still be operational, within the limits imposed by the homologation standards, if the bead is extensible, without excess.

Thus, according to a particular embodiment, the bead is made of molded rubber, without inextensible framework.

The problem of ventilation and ventilation of the interior of the helmets could not yet be satisfactorily resolved due to the limitation imposed by the homologation standards on the surface of the cuts made in the helmet shell. This is why, according to an alternative embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, the flexible skirt is extended in each of its two lateral areas - or front sides - beyond the normal outline - marked by the cylindrical rod described above. 'one of its days or at its end, by a small flexible veil linked on the one hand to the base of the shell and on the other hand to the bead as well as to the flexible skirt but whose height - greater towards the before that backward-, is of greater value than that of the rest of the skirt in the area where it is bound to it. So that this veil, while not interfering with the closing and opening movements of the helmet, cannot remain in the exact extension of the skirt but can be pulled towards the outside of the helmet where it finds a position of equilibrium giving it the look and the function of an air intake, open on the side of the helmet, towards the outside of the helmet, and appreciably affecting the shape of a half-truncated cone whose radius the most wide is open towards the front. The air thus captured is engulfed in a fairly large channel formed on the outer surface of the cap used for the internal padding of the helmet and emerging at the base of the helmet in alignment and extension of the air intake. This pipe, moving away from the base of the helmet, is divided into several openings opening into the interior of the helmet. These holes diameter see their rise _as' and measure their distance from the area where is located the air intake.

According to another embodiment, the pipe emerging at the base of the shell of the helmet is formed on the external surface of the shell, then, crossing the latter, extends towards the top of the helmet by several other pipes formed on the internal surface of the shell or the outer surface of the foam comfort padding covering the shell. In this embodiment, the pipe opening at the base according to a third variant, the shell of the helmet can also be formed on the internal surface and at the base of the cap to open as close as possible to the air intake concerned. The air, along these channels is thus distributed harmoniously along the entire internal surface of the helmet padding. However, and to keep this helmet the advantage - appreciable in cold weather or at high speed - of a very closed helmet (absence of uncontrolled drafts) it is enough in these circumstances to push each of the two small flexible sails making hitherto office air intakes towards the interior of the helmet where they find a second position of equilibrium, symmetrical with the previous one, to fulfill an inverse role of air deflector and obturator of the pipe formed in the cap. It is remarkable that the aeration device according to the invention (flexible air intake associated with a network of pipes arranged in the shell or the comfort padding) can, without departing from the scope of the invention and with a few adjustments be applied to a chinstrap helmet.

According to an alternative embodiment of the helmet according to the invention, and in order to perfect the airtightness thereof when used in cold weather or at high speed, flaps made of rigid or semi-rigid materials slide between the internal face of the helmet shell and the outer face of the shell and can be lowered below the lower edge of the shell to act as a barrier and air deflector between the base of the helmet shell and the bead in areas where the flexible skirt ensuring the - connection between the bead and the base of the helmet shell is perforated or nonexistent.

According to an alternative embodiment of a helmet according to the invention, if the latter comprises at least one rigid part articulated by a hinge at the base of its shell, it is equipped with a system consisting precisely of a rigid element = generally a metal wire which, the axis of articulation of this hinge, also forms, extending outside of it a single or double loop capable of coming to hang on the anti-theft systems for helmets of motorcycles. This loop can also pass, independently of the hinge through two holes, or a conduit formed in the shell of the helmet. However, who says hole in the shell of a helmet also says modifications of a very expensive mold, initiation of rupture of the shell thus arranged, and problems of tightness, both in air and in water, of the said hull. Therefore the preferred embodiment of the lock according to the invention is characterized because of its utili- s ^p tion to replace a hinge pin existing, the price of this axis thus saved coming from elsewhere as a deduction from the price of the anti-theft loop.

According to an alternative embodiment, this anti-theft device is a system of two loops, one of which, also forming a hinge pin, is linked to the other by a swivel. Thus, this second loop, free to rotate, can be attached to the helmet lock provided on any motorcycle, while keeping the helmet the possibility, regardless of the direction of the axis of the motorcycle lock hook, to be oriented. with respect to it so that any rain that occurs during a stop cannot fill it with water, which would be the case if the base of the helmet were turned towards the sky.

In order to improve the aesthetic qualities of the helmet and to prevent the dual system of anti-theft loops from producing an unpleasant rattling noise when using the helmet, an appropriate system allows this set of loops to be immobilized and pressed against the external surface of the helmet when not in use as an anti-theft device. Thus, according to one embodiment, the loop or all of the two anti-theft loops can be clipped onto -or in- a relief -or hollowed-out form of the helmet shell or of the rigid part articulated thereto. .

The anti-theft device thus produced, not only eliminates the defect of helmets provided with a securing device without chin strap compared to ordinary helmets, but improves the device since the anti-theft loop is not linked to the helmet by an easy chin strap section.

In order to reduce manufacturing costs, according to an alternative embodiment, the anti-theft loop system also serving as a hinge pin is adapted to the helmet object of the invention in order to fulfill the quadruple axis function hinge, anti-theft loop, locking system and safety locking device of said locking.

According to another embodiment, the anti-theft loop system may fulfill, in addition to its initial functions of the hinge pin and anti-theft loop, only a third function of the locking system, or of the device for blocking the said locking.

With the same aim of reducing the manufacturing cost, the bead, if it is a single piece, tubular and molded in rubber, has its ends treated as a thick rubber bellows. A frame, also tubular, in rilsan or other semi-rigid or flexible material but resistant to tensile and shearing forces, is then introduced into this tubular bead, each of its ends, threaded, receives then the bolt parts which also have longitudinal stops on this frame and which, bearing by their rear faces on each end of the rubber bead, allow during their assembly, to compress more or less, depending on the length of the frame on which they are fixed, the bead. In this way, with a single manufacturing mold, it is possible, during assembly, by choosing the length of the frame that it receives, preset the length of the bead for adaptation on a helmet of small, medium or large size . The fundamental principle of guiding the movable elements allowing the opening of the helmet between them by flexible reinforcements, integral with one of these elements and sliding in the other, can also be used to allow the realization of another type of helmet fitted with a securing device without chin strap.

Thus, according to an alternative embodiment of such a helmet, the shell is extended towards the base and towards the center of the opening determined by this base by a rigid skirt in two parts, at least one of which can slide in a plane parallel to that of the base of the hull, towards the outside thereof. Internally, a sufficiently thick padding covers this skirt in all the areas of its surface liable to come into contact with the user around the neck of which it forms a collar. The connection between each sliding half-skirt and the base of the helmet shell is reinforced, in the closed position, by hooking, along its entire length, the upper edge of these half-skirts to a shape complementary to the lower edge of the shell . In the open position and during the opening and closing movements, the connection and guidance between the base of the shell and each half-skirt are provided by two blades, flexible in the plane parallel to the base of the shell and rigid in the curved plane extending the surface of the shell, substantially parallel to the lower edge of the shell and having no other points of contact with it than the two diametrically opposite point extensions (one for each blade) - substantially vertical - of the base of the shell, by which they are each linked to it by one end. Each blade is thus suspended from the base of the shell. It can have in its equilibrium position a radius of curvature greater than that of the lower edge of the shell, at the limit being rectilinear. The length of each blade is substantially equal to a quarter of the perimeter of the lower edge of the shell, their free ends tend to meet when they are brought under it. The free end of each of these blades is introduced into a conduit of the same section, with the functional games ready, formed in the sliding half-skirt and opening at each of its ends. Thus, when this half-skirt is pulled towards the outside of the helmet, it can slide around these flexible blades and clear the opening of the helmet while remaining linked to the shell, by means of these blades. In the closed position, the locking can be carried out between the ends of each flexible blade, between the ends of each half-skirt, between the ends of each half-skirt and the extensions of the shell carrying the blades against which they come to bear, between each half-skirt and each flexible blade or between each half-skirt and the base of the shell. An elastic device can make automatic opening of the half-skirt as soon as the unlocking has been actuated. In the open position, a stop device limits the amplitude of the stroke of each half-skirt and avoids the separation of the half-skirt and the flexible blades which carry it.

According to an alternative embodiment, the helmet according to the invention is equipped with two sliding half-skirts each occupying, in the closed position, substantially half a circumference of the base of the shell. In this case, the two diametrically opposite vertical extensions of the base of the shell each carry a flexible blade which is linked to them by its central zone, the total length of which is substantially equal to the half-perimeter of the base of the shell and each free end of which is inserted into one of the half-skirts. In the closed position, the half-skirts have their ends close together by two, and coming to bear on either side of each extension of the hull.

According to another variant, the helmet according to the invention is equipped with a single sliding half-skirt occupying substantially in the closed position, a half-circumference of the base of the shell. This half-skirt is then associated with a fixed half-skirt, an extension of the shell, of the shell and of the comfort padding, or of the shell and of the comfort padding alone. It can also be associated with one of the other devices described in this patent and occupying the other half-circumference of the base of the shell (flexible or rigid bead portion, etc.).

According to an alternative embodiment, each flexible blade is replaced by telescopic elements.

The hull assembly, extension of the hull, flexible blade can be as well monobloc and of the same material as consisting of parts assembled together and made of different materials.

A particular embodiment is that where the entire chin portion (maxillary protection) of the helmet is a half-skirt coulissan you. In this case (as in that where one of the half-skirts is fixed) the flexible blades integral with the sliding half-skirt are movable and slide in conduits formed in the shell of the helmet, which is then also a fixed half-skirt.

According to a particular variant embodiment of a helmet fitted with sliding half-skirts, the connection between the base of the shell and each half-skirt is carried out by systems of links articulated by one. end to one of the elements to be linked and capable of sliding, by the other end in a suitable groove or opening or around an axis formed in the other element. This system complements or replaces the flexible blade system.

Other guidance systems can be imagined without departing from the scope of the invention any helmet equipped with a securing device comprising at least one sliding half-skirt at the base of the helmet shell along a plane substantially parallel to this base.

• FIG. 1 est une vue de côté d'un casque équipé d'un dispositif d'assujettissement habituel par jugulaire.
• FIG. 2 est une vue de côté d'un casque équipé d'un dispositif d'assujettissement de type connu.
• FIG. 3 est une vue de côté d'un exemple de réalisation de casque équipé d'un dispositif d'assujettissement amélioré selon la présente invention. Ce casque est représenté en position fermée.
• FIG. 4 est une vue de côté du casque illustré fig. 3 représenté en position ouverte.
• FIG. 5 est une vue de dessous du casque illustré fig, 3.
• FIG. 6 est une vue de dessous du casque illustré fig. 4.
• FIG. 7 est une vue en coupe selon un plan médian d'une extrémité de bourrelet du casque illustré.
• FIG. 8 est une vue de dessous à échelle agrandie de la pièce articulée au casque illustré et portant une partie du dispositif de verrouillage ainsi que l'armature flexible, élément de guidage. Cette pièce est représentée seule.
• FIG. 9 est une vue de dessous du système de boucles antivol équi. pant le casque illustré et servant aussi d'axe d'articulation, d'organe de verrouillage et de blocage de sureté de ce verrouillage.
• FIG. 10 est une vue de dessous, à échelle agrandie de la pièce articulée à la pièce illustrée fig. 7 d'une part et à la base de la coque du casque illustré, d'autre part.
• FIG. 11 est une vue en section partielle suivant AA de la pièce illustrée fig. 8.
• FIG. 12 est une vue en section partielle suivant BB de la pièce illustrée fig. 13.
• FIG. 13 est une vue de dessus comportant une section partielle suivant CC de la pièce illustrée fig. 8.
• FIG. 14 est une vue de coté du système de boucles illustré fig.9.
• FIG. 15 est une vue de dessus de la zone centrale de l'armature flexible, élément de guidage équipant le casque illustré.

The list of variants set out above cannot in any case be considered exhaustive and capable of limiting the scope of this patent. The same applies to the example embodiment of the helmet which is the subject of this patent described below by way of illustration and in no way limitative with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 is a side view of a helmet fitted with a usual chin strap fastening device.
• FIG. 2 is a side view of a helmet equipped with a securing device of known type.
• FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a helmet equipped with an improved securing device according to the present invention. This helmet is shown in the closed position.
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the helmet illustrated in FIG. 3 shown in the open position.
• FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the helmet illustrated in fig, 3.
• FIG. 6 is a view from below of the helmet illustrated in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 7 is a sectional view along a median plane of a bead end of the helmet illustrated.
• FIG. 8 is a bottom view on an enlarged scale of the part articulated to the illustrated helmet and carrying a part of the locking device as well as the flexible frame, guide element. This piece is shown alone.
• FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the equi anti-theft loop system. pant the helmet illustrated and also serving as a hinge pin, a locking member and a safety locking device for this locking device.
• FIG. 10 is a bottom view, on an enlarged scale of the part articulated to the part illustrated in FIG. 7 on the one hand and at the base of the shell of the helmet illustrated, on the other hand.
• FIG. 11 is a view in partial section along AA of the part illustrated in FIG. 8.
• FIG. 12 is a view in partial section along BB of the part illustrated in FIG. 13.
• FIG. 13 is a top view comprising a partial section along CC of the part illustrated in FIG. 8.
• FIG. 14 is a side view of the loop system illustrated in FIG. 9.
• FIG. 15 is a top view of the central area of the flexible frame, the guide element fitted to the helmet illustrated.

FIG. 1 represents a helmet 40 with a conventional chin strap 42 and closure loop 43. With such a device the chin strap 42 exerts, at point 41 of its anchoring, a force F clearly offset from the plane UU. This force F gives rise to a torque tending during an impact to tip the helmet in the direction of the arrow M, which can cause the helmet to tear off.

FIG. 2 represents a helmet 45 fitted with a securing device of known type, consisting essentially of a rigid skirt extending the base of its shell 44 and formed of two half-skirts 49 and 50 articulated to the shell by hinges 47 and 52. We can see the importance of the displacement along x and y of the ends of these two half-skirts, as well as one of the tongues 48 provided with a hook and secured to one of the ends of 49. We also note only if the helmet is subjected to a breakout force F1 , the bead of flexible foam 51 secured to the half-skirt 50 can only be deformed under the action of force, reaction of F1, exerted on it by the chin of the user, resulting in imperfect retention and tilting the helmet in the direction of arrow M1. Figures 3 to 6 allow to understand the nature of the opening movement of the collar formed by the bead 1, monoblocet ensuring retention. This movement develops here in a plane substantially parallel to that of the base of the hull. The user having actuated the locking device 26 can then move the two bead ends away from the articulated extension of the shell (parts 2 and 3) against which they are supported when the helmet is closed. Thanks to the flexible fitting 4 linked, by its center, at least in translation, to the part 2 and being able to slide in the tubular bead, the opening movement can be total, since it is transmitted to the articulated extension 2 and 3 of the shell or vice versa, by this element 4. Similarly, during closure, the frame 4 being mounted concentrically with the locking parts 28, which it crosses longitudinally, and 35, in which it slides, coincidence between these cooperating lock parts 28 and 35 is best ensured.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates how the ventilation of the helmet is ensured. The air, captured by the air intake 8 then rushes into the pipe 9, formed on the external surface of the shell 10 contained in the shell 11. This pipe opens at the base of the shell, in alignment with the air intake 8, the shell 10 protruding here, in the rear part of the helmet, from the lower rim of the shell 11. The air is then distributed between several pipes 12, of smaller section and ends up inside the helmet thanks to the orifices 13 formed from these pipes 12 in the thickness of the cap 10.

FIG. 5 shows how each air intake 8 and 8 ′, small flexible veil extending the flexible and elastic skirt 18 can on the contrary be used as a deflector and air barrier 8 ′ pushing it towards the inside of the helmet. The flaps 14 and 14 ', pressed against the internal face of the shell 11 and sliding between it and the external surface of the cap can be lowered 14'. In this case, they serve as a deflector and an air barrier between the base of the shell and the bead in the areas where the skirt 18 does not exist. In the case shown, these flaps - in addition to the fact that they slide between the shell 11 and the cap 10 inside the chin guard and each pass through a slot 19 or 19 'formed through a rim of the base of the shell of the helmet substantially perpendicular to the surface of the latter and turned towards the interior of the helmet are also guided by bosses 15 and 16 formed on the internal surface of the shell and between which they slide. The upper part of each flap being widened - up to a value greater than that of the length of the slot 19 or 19 ′ - it abuts against the upper face of the rim of the shell, thus limiting the value of the displacement of each flap and avoiding its untimely withdrawal. Likewise, this movement is limited upwards by a rim of the lower part of the flap. This rim also plays the role of operating device and deflector. Each flap 14 and 14 'is made of a rigid or semi-rigid synthetic material.

Figure 4, where the flexible skirt 18, made here in mold rubber (in seems bead 1, skirt 18) is supposed to be transparent, makes it possible to see the metal wires 17 which arm it over its entire height and are wound around the bead part. These son draw in the plane of the skirt of the rounded, they could also for example, draw "S" but, to keep the elasticity of the skirt should not be straight. They are embedded, during molding, in the thickness of the skirt, they could also be laminated on its internal surface. The articulated part 2 is made of a rigid, molded synthetic material; its face turned towards the outside of the helmet and shown in FIG. 8 is hollowed out with semi-cylindrical grooves 20 making it possible to house, partially, the metal strands constituting the loop 26 represented in FIG. 9. A boss 21 forms a sort of hook into which can come accommodate a corresponding part of the metal loop 22. In fact, the assembly of the parts, shown here isolated being done, the straight part of the loop 26 (Figure 9) is the axis of articulation allowing the connection between the parts 2 and 3 each carrying a complementary hinge part 23 and 23 '. Two small hairpin springs - not shown -, mounted around this axis at each of its ends and bearing on the one hand on the two main branches of the loop 26 and on the other hand against the part 2 maintain the set of loops 22 and 26 pressed against the part 2. The spring 30, shown in thin lines in FIG. 9 - and not shown in FIG. 14 keeps the loop 22 in abutment against the loop 26. The loop 22 therefore abuts on the top of the boss 21, thus preventing the loop 26 from coming into full support in the grooves 20 provided for this purpose on the part 2. This is why one must pull the loop 22 by compressing the spring 30 so that, the boss 21 then being at middle of the loop 22, it does not obstruct the movement of the loop 26. Two wings, formed by the loop 22 on either side of its axis 39 are folded so as to form two bosses 31 and 31 '(Figures 9 and 14) which, sliding while being elastically deformed on two branches of the loop 26 allow, when loop 22 is pulled and its bosses are outside of loop 26 to form obstacles which, opposing the force of spring 30 prevent the return of loop 22 against the loop 26. In this position, the loop 26 can come to bear against the part 2, the two tabs 27 and 27 'formed by this loop then pass through the slots 32 and 32' and thus ensure the locking of the helmet in the closed position in coming to be housed in the grooves 34 and 34 'of the parts of locks 35 and 35' integral with each of the ends of the bead 1, when they are introduced in the female cylinders 28 and 20 '-reinforced by metal inserts 38 and 38'- of the part 2. Having locked, the user can pull the loop 22 towards the loop 26. The two bosses 31 and 31' pass again inside the loop 26, and the loop 22 engages in the hook formed by the boss 21, the spring 30 preventing it from coming out without the intervention of the user. In this way, the loop 22 being integral with the loop 26, it becomes impossible to move the latter away from the part 2, and, by the same token, to proceed to unlocking making it possible to open the helmet. To open his helmet, the user must therefore pull the loop 22 until it comes out of the hook 21 and the bosses 31 and 31 'pass again outside of the loop 26, then exert on the loop 26 a effort tending to move it away from the part 2.

Furthermore, if the helmet is not in use, all of the loops 22 and 26 can be moved away from the part 2 and the loop 22 can be passed through the anti-theft hook with which all modern motorcycles are fitted, so as not to have to carry the helmet with you.

The flexible frame 4 shown partially in FIG. 15 is here an elastic metallic element of the piano string type; its central, rectilinear zone is introduced into the conduit 33 of the part 2. On either side of this rectilinear part the two branches of the frame are bent then, over a length equal to the length of the cylinders 28 and 28 'are still straight so as to confuse their axes with those of these cylinders in the areas where they cross them. Beyond these lengths, the two branches of the frame 4 are bent according to a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the bead in its open position, so that, the unlocking of the bead having been actuated, they tend to automatically open the said bead. The total length of the frame is slightly less than the perimeter of the closed bead, its section is constant, its ends are only rounded to facilitate their sliding inside the bead. The bead 1, made of molded rubber with the skirt 18 is, at its outlet from the mold, of single length for all sizes of helmets. On the other hand, the rilsan frame 36 has a different length depending on each size of helmet. In fact, the manufacturer, at the time of assembly chooses the armature 36 of adequate length, introduces it into the bead 1 and fixes at each of its ends a bolt part 35. Which part, tubular and whose central conduit to a diameter equal to that of the rilsan frame, by screwing onto the frame 36 compresses the bead 1 which, thanks to its ends treated in thick rubber bellows, can undergo without damage this com pressure until reaching the chosen length, the parts 35 being screwed in fully. These parts are then locked by hot pressing the ends of the frame 36 into the grooves 37 provided for this purpose in the part 35.

The bead sail assembly, thus completed, is then mounted on the hull. We then engage each of the ends of the flexible frame 4, already mounted in the part 2, itself already linked to the part 3, in each from the ends of the bead (parts 35) then we proceed to the connection of the part 3 and of the base of the helmet by introduction of a cylindrical articulation axis. The helmet is then ready to operate.

In all the figures cited in reference, and for greater clarity of the drawings, the upholstery parts covering the entire inner surface of the bead are not shown. Likewise, the interior surfaces of parts 2 and 3 are each covered with a padding part 3 'and 2' visible only in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.

It should be emphasized that the scope of the invention should in no way be limited to the embodiment described above for purely illustrative purposes.

Claims (21)

1. Motorcyclist's protective helmet equipped with a retention device making it possible to improve its positioning and its retention on the user and characterized in that this device consists essentially of - a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible bead 1, little or not extensible, substantially toroidal, and concentric with the opening of the base of the shell 11. This bead forms a collar whose perimeter is little, or not, variable -when the helmet is locked in the closed position- around the neck of the user and can be opened at at least one point on its circumference for the insertion and removal of the helmet. The areas of its surface likely to come into contact with the neck or the base of the user's face are covered with padding, - And in one or more flexible elements 18, 2 and 3 extending, punctually or along its entire circumference, the base of the helmet shell. These flexible elements, linked on the one hand to the shell 11 of the helmet and on the other hand to the bead 1, provide the connection between these two elements while allowing, in the event of an impact of the edge of the bead 1 against the neck of the user to act as a shock absorber by allowing relative movement of the entire bead 1 relative to the shell of the helmet 11. 2. Motorcyclist's protective helmet equipped with a retention device making it possible to improve its positioning and its retention on the user and characterized in that this device essentially consists of: - a rigid bead forming - in the closed position - collar around the user's neck, consisting of at least two parts each articulated along a vertical axis carried by an extension of the base of the shell, - And in rigid sails, full or openwork, simple or ribbed, each linked by their lower part to each section of bead according to all or part of the length thereof and joining by their upper part the base of the hull, to which they catch on, thanks to their complementary shape, when the helmet is locked in the closed position.
The areas of the surface of this assembly liable to come into contact with the neck or the base of the user's face are covered with padding. 3. Motorcyclist's protective helmet equipped with a retention device making it possible to improve its positioning and its maintenance on the user and characterized in that this device consists of at least one rigid, sliding half-skirt, extending in position closed - the base of the helmet shell along substantially half of its perimeter; this half-skirt allows the helmet to open by sliding in a translational movement in a plane substantially parallel to that of the base of the shell, in a direction going towards the outside of the helmet; during opening, a stop device limits the amplitude of this movement in translation; when the helmet is closed, the upper edge of each sliding half-skirt is hooked, thanks to a complementary shape, to the lower edge of the shell; the areas of the surface of such a half-skirt capable of coming into contact with the neck or the base of the user's face are covered with padding; a particular case is that where the entire chin portion (maxillary protection) of the helmet is a sliding half-skirt. 4. Protective helmet according to claim 3, characterized in that a system of flexible blades each linked at one point to an extension of the base of the shell and capable of sliding inside a duct formed in each half-skirt ensures the connection and the guiding between each sliding half-skirt and the shell of the helmet or in that, conversely, a system of flexible blades integral with each sliding half-skirt -particularly in the case where the whole of the chin portion of the helmet is one- ensures its connection and its guidance with the shell by sliding in conduits formed therein and in that a system of links articulated to one of the elements to be linked and sliding relative to the other element to which they are linked ensures or strengthens the connection between each sliding half-skirt and the helmet shell. 5. Protective helmet according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange is made of a flexible and elastic material reinforced with a flexible and resistant 3rd ₃₆ and in that its ends are treated with a thick rubber bellows. 6. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 5, characterized in that it is equipped with at least one flexible frame 4 having the function of allowing total and easy opening and closing movements. of the entire collar by sliding inside a part of the bead 1 to transmit the movement of the latter to another element 2 constituting the collar, to which it is linked, and vice versa; and in that the constituent element 2 of the necklace to which this reinforcement is linked, at least in translation, is a bead end, or a rigid extension, to the flexible and elastic point of the base of the shell, or a rigid extension articulated at the base of the shell formed of a part or of two parts 2 and 3 hinged together. 7. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 or 6, characterized in that a rigid point articulated extension 2 and 3 at the base of the shell has one of the parts which compose it formed of two elements telescopic which can be stretched by sliding one on or in the other; a stop device prevents their separation and a spring keeps them in the unstretched rest position. 8. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 7, characterized in that the bead consists of several sections which come to bear end to end against each other or on either side rigid, articulated or flexible extensions of the shell to reconstitute the collar when the helmet is closed and can be detached to allow the collar to open when the helmet is inserted or removed. 9. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8, characterized in that a part of each locking system is carried by an end of bead section and cooperates with a complementary part carried by a other end of bead section or by a flexible reinforcement end 4 or by a rigid, articulated or flexible extension of the shell. 10. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 9, characterized in that a part of each locking system is carried by a flexible reinforcement end 4 and cooperates with a complementary part carried by another reinforcement end or by a section of bead or by a rigid, articulated or flexible extension of the shell. 11. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, -2, 5 to 10, characterized in that a part of each locking device is a male cylinder, chamfered, and hollowed out with a circular groove; this grooved cylinder cooperates with a female cylinder, integral with the other part to be bonded, and comprising a transverse lumen through which a tongue can pass, possibly pushed by a spring, which, coming to be housed in the groove of the introduced male cylinder in the other cylinder, prevents it from coming out until, by action on an operating member secured to the tongue and accessible from the outside, it can be released by removing the tongue from the spoke nure. 12. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one-piece bead or armored with a flexible core 36 as well as the various bolt parts 35, 28 are tubular, the flexible armature 4 passing through. through them. 13. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, 5 to 12, characterized in that the connection between the base of the helmet shell and the bead pad is made by a flexible or flexible and elastic veil 18 extending the base of the shell of the helmet ; this veil can be full or perforated, monobloc or interrupted and in that this veil is punctually reinforced by one or more flexible and resistant elements such as textile ribbons or along its entire length by flexible and resistant elements such as metallic wires 17 connecting the helmet base at the bead along a non-straight path. 14. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible veil extends outside the shell over the entire outer surface thereof. 15. Protective helmet according to any one of claims 1, 5 to 14, characterized in that the connection between the bead and the base of the shell is made by one or more flexible but non-stretchable elements such as textile ribbons, leather straps or a set of rigid parts hinged together and hinged at the base of the shell. 16. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning in height of the bead relative to the base of the shell is adjustable by action on the element or elements operating the connection between the bead and the base of the hull. 17. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the perimeter of the substantially circular cutout formed by the bead in the closed position is adjustable for its best adaptation to the specific morphology of each user. 18. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with at least one air intake 8 formed from a small flexible veil open towards the front of the helmet, at the outside of it and which can be used, pushed towards the inside of the helmet, to fulfill an inverse role of deflector and air barrier 8 '; and in that a network of pipes 9 and 12 hollowed out on the external or internal surface of the shell 10 or of the comfort padding open into the extension of such an air intake 8. 19. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rigid or semi-rigid flap 14 slides between the internal surface of the shell 11 and the external surface of the shell 10 and is correctly guided in translation so that it can be lowered by a known value below the lower edge of the shell 11 in areas where the skirt 18 does not exist. Its profile, in particular at its lower edge, is studied as best as possible to allow gripping of this flap when it is retracted inside the helmet and to reinforce its role of deflector and air barrier 14 'when it is lowered. 20. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, equipped with an anti-theft device, characterized in that this device consists simply of a system of a single or double metal loop or of two metal loops 22 and 26 linked together by a swivel, and in that this system is linked to the shell without recourse to an intermediate element capable of being cut, that is to say that a rectilinear part of the metallic wire forming a loop 26 is also the axis of articulation of a hinge 23 and 23 ′ existing on the helmet, that is to say that it passes through a conduit formed in the thickness of the shell for this purpose. 21. Protective helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, equipped with a system of anti-theft-hinge pin loops 22 and 26, characterized in that the metal wire or wires forming this system is or are folded or arranged so that this or these anti-theft loop (s) can also fulfill the function of locking device 27 and (or) that of locking locking device 22 and 21.

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